Orange Honey Ginger Ale

Spring is starting to show its face here in California. We’ve had a few nice days recently. They were the kind of days where I deeply regretted my long sleeve shirt & boot choices. I should probably look at the weather app on my phone before I get dressed. I have a feeling if I start now, I won’t stop. I can get rather obsessive with weather.

Blossoms are appearing on trees and it’s a nice change of pace to see some blocks of brilliant pink & white amongst the skeletal limbs of trees on our way to school in the morning. My daydreams are focused on warmer weather. Sunshine, citrus and things that make me feel good when it’s sunny…. like big jars of Orange Honey Ginger Ale on the back porch while Cooper digs muddy trenches for his big Tonka trucks. Birds chirp and seed packets wait to be organized.

This orange honey ginger syrup reminds me of perfumed orange blossoms and spicy ginger beer. It makes a wonderful mixer if you’re wanting to make a boozy drink. Rum, vodka, bourbon & gin are all welcome. Just probably not all together…at the same time.

I hope that sun is shining in your neck of the woods. And if it’s not, here’s a little bit of sunshine in a jar for you.

And we’re off!

Let’s make the syrup!

Water, honey, fresh orange juice, and sugar go into a big saucepan.

Grate your ginger. If you don’t have a ginger grater, you should get one! They’re GRATE .

Ginger gets mixed in. You simmer it on the stove for a bit.

Strain the syrup.

Let it sit.

Jarring it up! I gave two of these away and kept the middle one for myself.

It makes great gifts. It will last up to two months in the fridge.

Now let’s show you how you can make a drink with one.

Take out a spoon and put some syrup in a cup.

Add an orange slice to the cup and top with sparkling water. Give it a stir.

And it’s drinking time! If you want, you can top it with some more OJ or you can add some booze in it.

Combine the water, sugar, honey, ginger and orange juice in a large saucepan, and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves, then let simmer, uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat, let cool for 30 minutes, and strain out the solids.

To make Orange Honey Ginger Ale:

3-4 tablespoons orange honey ginger syrup

1 tablespoon orange juice

1 1/2 cups seltzer

Pour the syrup and juice in a tall glass filled with ice. Add the seltzer and stir until blended.

I can literally feel spring is just around the corner. We had some gloriously beautiful weather last weekend and I’ve been dreaming about fruity cocktails and light salads. This syrup looks divine. I am definitely adding this to my spring/summer collection. Thanks for sharing. x

I wish I could say the same about the weather here. It’s -16c feels like -26c this morning, brrr! This drink makes me excited that spring will eventually get to Northern Ontario. I can’t wait to eat dinner on the patio and enjoy sunshine on my shoulders :)!

Thanks for the great drink idea. My hubby always wants something to drink other then water (I dont keep soda, juices, except natural juice I make with juicer, etc. in the house). He misses his soda, so he might like this. I’m buying the ingredients today to give it a try.

I think we are on the same wave length for several reasons:
1. I have those tiny white dishes you have in the second shot. Obsessed.
2. I just made gingerale.
3. I also have the same napkin.
and 4. I have those straws.

Making. With Bourbon. Tonight. Maybe just with the ginger ale I already have and a squeeze of fresh orange juice. Next paycheck I’ll try the real deal! Also, now I am inspired to create my own lemon soda. Lemon basil! Whatever, both. Thanks!

p.s. I’m not a commenter or even a blog fiend but I heard a podcast where you said people visited your website but didn’t comment and you wished they did so: your recipes have made me a more thoughtful and creative cook, thank you. I’ll be sticking around!

[…] Have Look What I Found Week 7 Posted on March 8, 2013 by akazooey 1. I have been using this Orange Honey Ginger Syrup to make everything from ginger ale to cinnamon rolls. I mix it in yogurt to top waffles, in salad […]

I can so taste this in my mouth and just know I would absolutely love this!! I am looking forward to trying this. I do have to ask though, do have any recommendations to substitute the sugar with?? Something natural and more on the unrefined side?